Gibsonia, PA – Frank Gamber, 92, a beloved fixture at Narcisi Winery in Gibsonia, continues to delight visitors with his accordion music, demonstrating resilience and a passion for performance despite facing significant vision loss. Gamber, who has been playing the accordion for nearly 75 years, performs a diverse repertoire spanning multiple genres and decades.
Gamber’s dedication extends beyond music. He has been an active member of the Elfinwild Lions Club,a chapter of Lions International,for over 25 years.Lions international focuses on vision services, including eye screenings and collecting used eyeglasses for redistribution. While Gamber himself lives with an incurable condition affecting his eyesight, he remains committed to supporting the club’s mission to help others.
Roberto Smiraglio, Director of Operations at Narcisi Winery as 2009, describes Gamber as “part of the family.” Gamber initially assisted with wine production at the winery, located at 4579 PA-910, Gibsonia, PA 16048, before his musical talent became apparent. He is now a regular performer, consistently drawing positive feedback from patrons.
“He’s no longer an employee, but more like a friend, part of the family,” Smiraglio stated. Narcisi Winery hosts various musical acts, but Gamber’s consistent presence and broad musical range – encompassing Italian, Latin, German, Irish, and American tunes from the 1930s to the present – make him uniquely appreciated. Smiraglio notes that complaints about other bands are occasional, but “no one has ever complained about the Accordion Man.”
Gamber’s ability to learn new songs remains remarkable. He utilizes online resources like YouTube,relying on his acute hearing and well-developed muscle memory to master new pieces. while he once learned songs after only a few repetitions, he now dedicates approximately a week to each new tune to fully integrate it into his repertoire.
Prior to his retirement, Gamber spent 38 years in operations at PNC Bank. He found less time for music during his working years,but now dedicates his retirement to performing. He describes playing the accordion as a deeply fulfilling experience, offering a sense of peace and joy. “When I play it, I’m in a diffrent world,” Gamber said. “It just settles me down. It just feels so good to play.”
